Pilot Shortage EXPOSED! The Hidden Danger Affecting Us All

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

I’m a PPL in my early 60s, so a career in aviation is sadly no longer an option for me. Several of my flying club colleagues are ATPLs, and during the pandemic they were laid off with no work or pay for months. One became a delivery driver for a supermarket, and has never gone back to the airlines. He is home every night for his young family, no layovers in crappy hotels, and with a few hours overtime (always on offer) his pay is similar to that he was getting as a first officer on 737’s flying to and from Europe - without the 2am starts to get to the airport, no pay until the cabin door is shut, and complaints from management about delays (that they are in no way responsible for). It’s hardly surprising the way some airlines treat their crew (flight deck and cabin) that there is a shortage of those willing to invest £100k in training and years of gaining the 1500 hours of experience needed to occupy even the right hand seat on the flight deck.

[@SkyGeeksUK]

An interesting perspective from somebody with some experience. It would seem that the majority of people imagine only the glamour of being a pilot but not the hardships to pursue a career in doing something they love. I think international cricketers, tennis players and golfers and the like continually on the circuit being away from home are in a similar position to pursue a career they love.